Bitdefender Vs Kaspersky | The Ultimate Comparison [2020]

(Last updated on May 2nd, 2020)

Bitdefender or Kaspersky, which software is a better option in 2020?

Read this ultimate Bitdefender versus Kaspersky comparison to make a smart choice.

It is such a cliché that prevention is better than cure. But there’s no denying the wisdom of these words even in today’s modern world. There’s a raging battle going on between cybercrimes and cybersecurity technologies. And this battle is escalating at an alarming rate.

You are incredibly vulnerable the entire time you spend on the internet unprotected. Your personal and financial information faces a higher risk than ever before.

Did you know that the global cybercrime damages are predicted to cost up to $6 trillion annually by 2021? In fact, a ransomware attack takes place as frequently as every 14 seconds in 2019. The truth is that the malware industry is so lucrative that the situation isn’t expected to improve in the future.

So how do you protect yourself and your family against rampant malware attacks?

If you think that free antivirus software (like Windows Defender) is enough to keep you safe, you’re wrong! As per a Webroot Threat Report, 93% of malware observed in 2018 was polymorphic. In simple words, it had the ability to change its code frequently to avoid detection by security software.

Free software doesn’t have the latest mechanisms and malware definitions to fight the risks out there. Only a premium antivirus software has the sophisticated technology required to provide real protection against these carefully designed cyber-attacks. The premium products may cost a few bucks, but in return, they ensure complete digital protection and give you peace of mind.

Important Note

Best Antivirus Suite for 2020

(All the best security products examined)

Editors' Choice Award Winner

Overall Score: 9.9/10

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During the past few months, we examined and reviewed over 50 antivirus suites from the biggest names in cybersecurity. We did this so you can confidently choose the best antivirus software to protect yourself and those you love. Overall, Bitdefender is our #1 antivirus software for 2020, because of its excellent, flawless performance in all the recent independent lab evaluations we considered, particularly those conducted by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Right now, we think that Bitdefender Total Security 2020 (currently at 60% off) is the best antivirus package available in the market. Apart from providing excellent anti-malware protection, it offers all the advanced premium features and utilities that must be there in a high-end package -- and best of all, it offers excellent value for money. You can protect up to five devices (PCs, Macs, or smartphones) with just one subscription. If you need protection for more than five devices, we highly recommend Bitdefender Family Pack 2020. It will cover all the internet-capable devices in your household with the Total Security suite, so your family will be protected no matter what goes wrong.

Now, there are several top-notch antivirus products you can choose from. But we have drafted many detailed comparisons for you to help you make a sound decision. Today we compare two big names: Bitdefender and Kaspersky.

We’ll go through each company’s different products and assess the value they provide for your money. We’ll also look into some independent tests to see how well these products do their job.

In a rush? Below is a quick summary of the comparison. You can see which software won in each aspect and for what reason.

A Quick Rundown of the Winners in Each Category

2. Malware ProtectionWinner: Bitdefender. Both companies are excellent at providing malware protection, but Bitdefender outshines Kaspersky on one of the two independent tests, winning the crown in this category as well.

3. System PerformanceWinner: Tie. According to independent tests, both companies are equally good in terms of the impact on system performance.

4. User-FriendlinessWinner: Bitdefender. Both companies have great user interfaces. But the Bitdefender interface is more intuitive and customizable than Kaspersky’s.

5. PricingWinner: Bitdefender. Most of their products are priced around the same range. However, Bitdefender provides better value for your dollar with the highest tier as opposed to Kaspersky.

Short Verdict

Bitdefender is the better option as it offers more protection-related features and extra utilities in its security suites than Kaspersky. Independent lab tests prove that both security software are excellent in terms of both malware protection and the impact on system performance.

Our recommendations: If you want to get the highest level of security and performance, there's no better choice than Bitdefender, which protects over 500 million devices worldwide. We have reviewed, ranked, and rated all the best antivirus software products out there, and we think that Bitdefender Total Security 2020 (currently at 50% off) is the best antivirus package you can buy right now. You can protect up to five devices (PCs, Macs, or smartphones) with just a single subscription of this suite. If you need protection for more than five devices, Bitdefender Family Pack 2020 is the best option for you. Looking for Mac-specific protection? Check out Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac for complete peace of mind.

Now, let’s dig into the details.

1. Features

‘The more, the better’ applies to most good things in life, as it does to antivirus products. The more a product packs security intensive features into it, the more comprehensive the overall protection becomes. Let’s see what features are jammed into different Bitdefender and Kaspersky security suites.

We’ll start with Bitdefender.

The first offering from the company is Bitdefender Free Edition, which is a Windows-only product. The edition provides basic-level protection against different malware, but that’s about it.

We’ll move onto Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020, the entry-level premium product from the company. Also, a Windows-only software, it comes with features such as:

Comprehensive protection against all kinds of malware threats.

You also get the benefit of secure and anonymous browsing via a limited-use VPN, which prevents hackers from tracking you.

Superior 24/7 customer support is available for Bitdefender customers via different channels.

If you’re interested in Bitdefender’s business solutions? Click here for more information.

Now let’s look at what Kaspersky has to offer in terms of a feature-set.

Kaspersky Free is the first software from the company. It has a firewall that provides some level of protection, but It is barely more than an introduction to the software interface and workings. So Let’s move to the paid tiers.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus is the entry-level, Windows-only product from the company. It includes features like:

A firewall that protects you from all kinds of digital threats.

Multilayer Ransomware Protection saves you from becoming a victim to money-related fraud and viruses.

There’s also a Gamer Mode that ensures distraction-free gaming or movie time by stopping pop-ups and notifications so you can enjoy your entertainment time.

A Vulnerability Scanner checks your security weaknesses and fixes them before you can fall prey to a hacker.

The highest tier of protection comes with the Kaspersky Total Security suite. Along with everything from previous packages, this product also offers the following utilities:

An extensive Parental control module, called Safe Kids, monitors children’s activity on the internet and blocks access to age-inappropriate websites. This utility ensures a safe browsing experience for your kids.

Kaspersky also offers several business-related antivirus products. Check out these products here.

Winner: Bitdefender. Kaspersky has a nice spread of features, but Bitdefender provides more features and much more functionality across its products.

2. Malware Protection

The entire purpose of a premium antivirus software is to provide top-notch security to your devices. Failing that there isn’t much to a software. Let’s see how Bitdefender and Kaspersky keep their devices safe from malware attacks.

We’ll first look at the Protection Test results from AV-test.org. As per their April 2019 assessment of antivirus software products, Bitdefender received a perfect 6 out of 6 on this test.

Now let’s look at how AV-Comparatives rate the two companies on their Malware Protection Test. Assessing the products on their performance against malware as well as the frequency of false alarms, the organization issued the recent results in March 2019. In this test, Bitdefender performed extremely well, receiving the highest ranking from AV-Comparatives: The ADVANCED+ award. Kaspersky, on the other hand, was a little behind with the second-place ADVANCED award as well as a bit high on the frequency of false alarms.

Winner: Bitdefender. Both companies scored exceptionally well on the first test, but Bitdefender outperformed Kaspersky in the second evaluation, proving its better malware protection capabilities. That’s why this category belongs to Bitdefender.

3. System Performance

Nobody has the time to work around the scanning procedures of antivirus software, but full-time protection is also necessary. This is why the software should use minimal resources on a system so that the computer can carry on other operations unhampered. Let’s see how our competing products score on independent performance tests.

AV-test.org issued their Performance Test results in April 2019. Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky tied on this test and received perfect ratings with 6 out of 6 scores.

Bitdefender

Kaspersky

AV-Comparatives also issued their Performance Test results in April 2019. Once again, Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky performed equally well on the test and received the highest ADVANCED+ award.

Winner: Tie. Bitdefender and Kaspersky both performed brilliantly on both tests; both software got the highest awards.

4. User-Friendliness

Just as an antivirus should be subtle in its impact on a computer system, the same idea should resonate in the design of its interface. For most of us, we don’t want to have complex operations for something that is supposed to be running quietly in the background.

So let’s review both our companies user interfaces and see how they fit with that concept.

Bitdefender uses sharp contrast to divide its interface into two prominent sections. One of these sections is the black rail on the left-hand side that displays buttons for different functions and features. You can expand these buttons to get into more specific tasks.

The white screen, on the other side of the interface, takes up almost eighty percent of space and houses large blocks that each signifies a different function. You can move or modify which utilities you want to see on the home screen in order of your liking. The interface is exceptionally intuitive and simplistic and yet hides detailed personalization functionality in its design. Basically, Bitdefender optimizes its design for both casual and skilled users in this way.

Now let’s see how Kaspersky’s interface compares.

Kaspersky has gone for a sort of open-frame design using green and whites as primary colors. A big horizontal green panel across the top of the screen displays security status with a light checkmark. However, if there’s an issue, the mark will turn to a red cross demanding your immediate attention.

Below this panel, different functions have been organized into two rows. You can easily access any feature from the home screen. If you want, you can further personalize your screen settings to suit your preference.

At the bottom of the screen, the interface displays your current subscription status and notifies you when it’s time for renewal. Overall, the design is easy to operate, intuitive, and very user-friendly.

Winner: Bitdefender. Both companies have intuitive, user-friendly designs. But Bitdefender offers a much more intuitive and customizable design functionality that is suitable for both casual users as well as skilled professionals.

5. Pricing

Pricing has a huge role to play on a customer’s purchase decision. The simple truth is that most of us play on a budget. So, the more bang a company provides for your buck, the more you’ll prefer it.

Let’s compare both Bitdefender and Kaspersky to see how their prices compare.

Starting with the first paid product, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus costs $34.99 per year for 3 windows-only licenses. Bitdefender Internet Security comes at $39.98 per year and also gives you up to three licenses which are PC-only as well.

Bitdefender Total Security is priced at $44.99 per year and provides multi-platform 5 licenses (for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices). Finally, Bitdefender Family Pack costs $69.98 per year for an unlimited number of licenses. We can see that with each dollar spent, there’s more value for money with Bitdefender.

Kaspersky Antivirus, the entry-level paid software from the company, costs $29.99 per year for 3 PC-only licenses. Kaspersky Internet Security costs $39.99 per year also for 3 licenses. However, these licenses are universal and can be used across the three main general-user operating systems (Windows, Mac, and Android).

Next, Kaspersky Total Security costs you $49.99 per year, also for 3 universal licenses. Kaspersky Security Cloud is available in two versions: Personal and Family. The Personal version comes at $49.99 per year, whereas the Family version at $149.99 per year. The Family pack is priced quite steeply, but it comes with 20 universal licenses, ideal for a big family with each member owning several devices.

Winner: Bitdefender. Both companies have priced their products within the same range for each tier. However, Bitdefender offers far more value for your money for its most premium product than Kaspersky, that too with an unlimited number of licenses.

6. Customer Satisfaction

If you want to know how quickly a company will solve your issues in the future, you need to look at their previous record. This record comes from existing customer responses. Let’s compare the findings from two independent websites that collect customer responses and compile them into an average feedback rating.

Our first source is the Better Business Bureau that issues its rankings distributed across a ranking scale from A to F. Bitdefender received an average C from this source while Kaspersky got a rotten F.

Now let’s look at the ratings from comsumeraffairs.org that compile its ratings based on a 5-star score. Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky scored an Overall Satisfaction Rating of 3 stars, showing average customer service performance.

Winner: Bitdefender. Both companies received similar ratings from the second website, but Kaspersky was far worse in the first rating. So, Bitdefender is the winner here.

Final Thoughts

Both promise a high level of security and performance, but Bitdefender is superior choice thanks to its comprehensive feature-set, excellent malware protection, and zero impact on system performance. Also. Bitdefender’s plans are cheaper than Kaspersky’s.

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Overall Score: 9.9/10

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Editors Choice Award Winner

Our recommendations: After reviewing 50 antivirus suites from some of the biggest names in the cybersecurity realm, we believe that Bitdefender Total Security 2020 (currently at 60% off) is the best antivirus suite for 2020 in terms of value for money. You protect up to five devices (PCs, Macs, and smartphones) with a single license of this suite. Got more than five internet-capable devices? We found that Bitdefender Family Pack 2020 is the best option out there in terms of value for money. If you are still unsure, Bitdefender offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and exceptional customer support, so you there is nothing to lose.

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About The Author

Umair Anwar is an experienced freelance writer and founder of Proficient Blogging. He loves to conduct objective research and specializes in writing comprehensive software reviews and comparisons so people can make well-informed decisions. He usually talks about antivirus, VPN, online privacy, and other cybersecurity-related topics.

I have had Kaspersky Total Security for several years and paid $49.99 per year. However, you should note that Kaspersky increased the cost in 2019 to $84.99 for the same protection suite. Thinking of switching to Bitdefender!

Thanks for your comment. And yes, Bitdefender is the best option available right now for both Windows and Mac users. Don’t forget to buy through our link, you can get a special 50% discount. Plus, it will also help us with our work 😉

I heard its very difficult to get a hold of Customer Service, thru email or phone. I am concerned because. I always end up getting locked out of my account and can never recover my password at a responsible time with my Current Webroot . DO they have this issue as I want to try another service as Webroot wants me to renew for 79.99 for one year with no dealer for current customers. Nervous of changing as I came from Norton before Webroot so I need more confidence on changing yet again.. Help any advice is helpful and yes I do use Windows 10

Thanks for your comment. Sorry for all the hassle that you have gone through. I would recommend you get Bitdefender. Their support is pretty good and their software is very intuitive and user-friendly. Make sure you to purchase through links on this page if you want to get the maximum discount and also support our work 🙂

I would probably pick either Kaspersky or BitDefender over all other vendors (as of this writing), though I find BitDefender much less straightforward to use (for someone who likes to see what the anti-virus software is doing and have intuitive control over it).

Your 2nd rank vendor, McAfee, is not good and should not even be in the top 5, and for me, this somewhat clouds your results. There are several sources to cite to support my statement. For example, MRTG-Effitas reviews software (apparently at a cost to vendors who want to be considered), and while they focus more on banking-related protection, they are pretty detailed in their testing methodology, and you can see from all of their reports, including the latest from 2019, that McAfee is terrible, and McAfee was clearly one of the worst of the products tested. I think it’s not good to recommend this vendor as 2nd overall with results like the ones MRTG-Effitas consistently shows. I would never recommend TrendMicro or McAfee for end-point protection.

Hello Rob, Thanks for your comment. We usually base our results on tests conducted by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives — two best independent labs out there when it comes to antivirus software testing. We have put McAfee in the second place because of its consistent, exceptional performance in the independent tests.

FTC Disclosure: Our editors maintain strict editorial integrity and review products independently, but we may earn a small commission if you buy through our links (at no extra cost to you). This helps pay our bills and make this website a free service for everyone.

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